Holiday season is in full swing so whether you’re with someone, with friends or going solo, we got you covered! Who needs a new thing when you can create some special memories and take your loved one (or yourself to an epic experience). Not sure where to go? What if we told you that we have the perfect holiday plans and gift ideas guaranteed to please all the personalities?
Gift experiences are the easiest and most foolproof way to reconnect with your partner. friends and family, and boy do we have some recommendations! Gift your loved ones something they’ll remember for years to come, from incredible concerts and immersive exhibitions, to a special treat for a movie buff and more. You’re sure to find the perfect gifts with our ultimate experiential gift guide below:
1. Take in the magic of holiday lights this season
NYBG’s Holiday Train Nights: There’s just something about lights throughout the season that adds to the festivities of the holidays in NYC. Everyone knows about NYBG’s Train Show but on select dates in December and January there are Holiday Train Nights. This special after-dark train experience is on select dates on the weekend complete with drinks, monthly theme nights and more!
Brooklyn Lightscape: Enter one mile of curated sound and artistic global installations where Lightscape transforms Brooklyn Botanical Garden into an enchanting cultural moment this season. The multi-sensory experience combines art, light, and a specially curated soundtrack to create a truly breathtaking adventure. But it’s only here until Jan 4th so be sure to snag tickets here!
2. Feel the festivities under the glow of a Candlelight Concert
Whether you love rock, disco pop, classical music and more, the Candlelight concert series is bringing mesmerizing experiences to NYC’s loveliest spaces! You can catch tributes to your favorite artists, like and more, played by highly talented musicians, including Highline String Quartet.
For fans of classical music, who want to get into the Christmas spirit there are many different shows to experience!
Enjoy a series of concerts illuminated by candlelight in some of the most iconic venues in New York!
3. Give the gift of relaxation this Holiday season.
De-stress before and after the holidays with a spa package? Whether you go solo or have a couples massage there are so many luxurious spots around NYC. From favorites like QC Spa and Aire Ancient Baths to healing spots such as Shibui Spa, we have you covered for the gift of zen. Check out our list of top spas here!
4. Unique dining experiences to fit the individual
Dining in the Dark: Take a seat and challenge your perception of food! This incredibly unique and reinvigorating experience requires relying purely on your senses besides sight to navigate and enjoy your food. It can enhance your sense of taste, focus on smells, and awareness of texture. After donning your blindfold in the darkened, candlelit room, you’ll be able to experience flavors and textures like never before. And best of all, you’ll get to savor a mystery menu at Arlo NoMad
The Grandest Princess Ball Ever Presents: Spectacular Holiday at Carmine’s: This one is for the kids! On select dates this month, experience The Grandest Princess Ball beautiful holiday decor, and magic! You can dance across a ballroom, play fun games, and indulging in delicious, whimsical desserts. For a royal holiday occasion for your little run, go here for more details!
5. Celebrate 100 Years of The Rockettes
There’s a reason why it’s one of the toughest shows to get a spot at when the holidays come around, The Rockettes are just that damn good. The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is the epitome of the holiday season in NYC. The show is always fresh and new every year, a must-see!
6. Book a Romantic Winter Getaway
Spice things up at Fire Island or chill out at Woodstock NY. Get a taste of these quaint, sleepy towns this season, shop and just relax away from the bustling NYC streets! Go here for our full list of short getaways that are just a few hours from the city.
Got the PTO? Here’s a list of stellar weekend getaways!
7. Or Sail Around The City On A Majestic Cruise
Givethe gift of rediscovering their city from a breathtaking new vantage point. A scenic cruise offers a refreshing escape from the concrete jungle, swapping crowded streets for the serene rhythm of the harbor. Dance the night away on a boat or have an elegant dinner on a variety of cruise experiences.
8. Have an off the grid Museum Day
There are so many incredible museums and exhibits all over NYC especially around the holidays. For a limited time only Arte Museum New York provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. This multi-sensory experience allows you to see so much from cascading waterfalls to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including pieces by Monet and Van Gogh.
Want to see a gingerbread village that represents the best of NYC? The Museum of the City of New York hosts The Great Borough Bakeoff. The New York Transit Museum is always a classic and will roll out subway cars from the 1930s for its annual vintage train rides every Sunday in December — all you need is your $2.90 fare. Go here for more info!
Also check out our hidden gem museum list.
9. Hit A Broadway Show & Have A Night On The Town
A classic date night of a Broadway show can’t be beat! Whether you want to see “Cult of Love” or have a girl’s night out at “& Juliet” or want to laugh it up at “Book of Mormon” there are so many Broadway shows to choose from this holiday! If you’re a theater and music fan you might also enjoy the Broadway Sings series where incredible performers from the top plays and musicals belt out hits from ABBA, Taylor Swift and more!
9. Calling all movie lovers for the AMC Black Ticket
If your special someone is a film buff, this might be the gift to get! Snag a discount on an AMC movie ticket with the Black Ticket for any 2D experience. There are also tickets to add on for drinks and popcorn, so why not get all the fixings for a proper movie date? Depending on the movie of course, this can be one for the whole family!
Check out more details here on the AMC Black Ticket!10. Explore decorations all over NYC
Dyker Heights: It’s only up until New Year’s Eve, but this incredible display lights up the whole neighborhood. The Dyker Heights spectacle is free of charge courtesy of the neighborhood’s residents who want to help fellow New Yorkers get into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for an insider scoop, there are guided bus tours with all the bells and whistles — hot cocoa, Christmas carols, etc. There are a lot of good eats in the area as well, don’t miss out on the festive fun!
Of course there’s the famous Macy’s display and 5th avenue installations that are staples. A lot of restaurants also have incredible decorations, check out a few of our favorites!